Architectural Education: Is it worth it?

Publish date 2017

This dissertation investigates the relevance and significance of the ever escalating financial costs of architectural education. The effects of what may have been the most consequential change to higher education in 2012 are yet to fully emerge, however this research finds itself at a valuable point in time, half-decade on from the rise in tuition fees, providing a worthy moment to ascertain the impacts through a more objective lens. This research establishes the effects on its students and the profession.

‘Accessibility’ and ‘exclusivity’ are topics that are in perennial discussion surrounding both education and the profession – as is the health of architecture students and architects. It has been speculated that the corporatisation of universities, despite student loans, will have further detrimental impact on diversity in a profession already struggling with social representation. In response, this dissertation also purposes to examine the current change that is underway surrounding architectural education and the profession, by evaluating recent and ongoing initiatives. Looking into the future, what reflections and precedents could be taken from the emerging new models and initiatives, for developing a new architectural education system?